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The Last Free Naga
Comprising twelve stories, The Last Free Naga paints a portrait of a people the remoteness of whose land is both a defence and a chosen way of life. In fresh, haunting prose, the author writes with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of his culture.
The stories range from those that describe the time when the Naga national movement was at its peak, to stories about the rhythms of rural life, and about the extraordinary beauty and ruthlessness of the land. In the title story, a young boy meditates on all that he will leave behind in his village once he goes to study in the relative safety of a neighbouring state—how will he carry the mementoes of his land and his people in a single suitcase? In ‘Salt’, a man confronts head on the brutality of the state, even though all he wants is to carve a life for himself in the quiet mountains. In ‘Season of Cicadas’, a walk home is interrupted by the Khangayei, a creature of myth and memory, often misunderstood. And ‘The River that Bends Time’ takes the reader into a mystical landscape where the forgotten past comes alive—where fishing nets bind generations of fathers and sons, and a river continues to flow despite all the changes in the land that it waters.
Silent lovers, fractured families, taciturn fathers, feisty grandmothers, lost uncles—Jim Kasom’s stories contain a multitude of lives, each as fascinating as it is unforgettable. Finally, The Last Free Naga is a testament to the solitude, the resilient spirit, and the utterly distinctive identity of the Naga people.
The stories range from those that describe the time when the Naga national movement was at its peak, to stories about the rhythms of rural life, and about the extraordinary beauty and ruthlessness of the land. In the title story, a young boy meditates on all that he will leave behind in his village once he goes to study in the relative safety of a neighbouring state—how will he carry the mementoes of his land and his people in a single suitcase? In ‘Salt’, a man confronts head on the brutality of the state, even though all he wants is to carve a life for himself in the quiet mountains. In ‘Season of Cicadas’, a walk home is interrupted by the Khangayei, a creature of myth and memory, often misunderstood. And ‘The River that Bends Time’ takes the reader into a mystical landscape where the forgotten past comes alive—where fishing nets bind generations of fathers and sons, and a river continues to flow despite all the changes in the land that it waters.
Silent lovers, fractured families, taciturn fathers, feisty grandmothers, lost uncles—Jim Kasom’s stories contain a multitude of lives, each as fascinating as it is unforgettable. Finally, The Last Free Naga is a testament to the solitude, the resilient spirit, and the utterly distinctive identity of the Naga people.
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2025
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About the author
Jim Wungramyao Kasom
3 books2 followersJim Wungramyao Kasom is the author of three books: Homecoming & Other Stories, Cradling Memories of My Land and The Last Free Naga. Jim’s poem ‘Philosophy of a Mountain Man’ was featured in the Yearbook of Indian Poetry in English 2023. He was born in Ukhrul, Manipur and now lives in New Delhi.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 12, 2025
Three and half stars.
There are twelve stories about Naga tribal people who inhabit Ukhrul district in Manipur.
Most of these stories are set in the backdrop of Naga insurrection and the aftermath. It especially focuses on the aftermath, the loss that they suffered under Indian military raids. But these stories out rightly do not condemn or paint the military activity in bad hues. They come as references. And the reader can very well surmise the backstories or the details unsaid.
We also get the hints about the tensions that existed between the Nagas and Kukis in many of the stories.
Other than these, the stories sounded more nostalgic - longing for the pure tribal life, untouched by modernity and Christianity. This is not done in an overt manner. But we get the subtle hints.
The tribal people on the other hand seemed also obsessed with their children getting educated and became government officers (Government jobs). They felt that there was no life and progress in the hills. They wanted their children to be away from such a terrain. This idea also is continually woven through stories.
So the tension between the tradition and the modernity remains a constant theme. To move on to big cities leaving the idyllic mountain set up or to be anchored in the pure tribal set up - that is the question.
Interesting collection of stories. I am continuously fascinated by pieces of literature form North East. And Jim Wungramyao Kasom has also done well in these stories. My fascination for the North Eastern people has not waned. In fact, I am getting pulled in all the more.
There are twelve stories about Naga tribal people who inhabit Ukhrul district in Manipur.
Most of these stories are set in the backdrop of Naga insurrection and the aftermath. It especially focuses on the aftermath, the loss that they suffered under Indian military raids. But these stories out rightly do not condemn or paint the military activity in bad hues. They come as references. And the reader can very well surmise the backstories or the details unsaid.
We also get the hints about the tensions that existed between the Nagas and Kukis in many of the stories.
Other than these, the stories sounded more nostalgic - longing for the pure tribal life, untouched by modernity and Christianity. This is not done in an overt manner. But we get the subtle hints.
The tribal people on the other hand seemed also obsessed with their children getting educated and became government officers (Government jobs). They felt that there was no life and progress in the hills. They wanted their children to be away from such a terrain. This idea also is continually woven through stories.
So the tension between the tradition and the modernity remains a constant theme. To move on to big cities leaving the idyllic mountain set up or to be anchored in the pure tribal set up - that is the question.
Interesting collection of stories. I am continuously fascinated by pieces of literature form North East. And Jim Wungramyao Kasom has also done well in these stories. My fascination for the North Eastern people has not waned. In fact, I am getting pulled in all the more.
October 4, 2025
The Last Free Naga is a collection of twelve short stories by Jim Wungramyao Kasom.
It explores life among the Tangkhul Naga people, focusing on the tension between tradition and modernity, identity, memory, political conflict, and myth.
Kasom often depicts characters caught between worlds—village vs city; traditional vs modern; mythic vs real.
A quiet, powerful book that sneak up on you. Each story feels deeply rooted in the hills, the myths, and the lived realities of Naga life.
It’s not a fast-paced read—these stories will stay with you long after. A heartfelt read that deserves to be savored slowly.
It explores life among the Tangkhul Naga people, focusing on the tension between tradition and modernity, identity, memory, political conflict, and myth.
Kasom often depicts characters caught between worlds—village vs city; traditional vs modern; mythic vs real.
A quiet, powerful book that sneak up on you. Each story feels deeply rooted in the hills, the myths, and the lived realities of Naga life.
It’s not a fast-paced read—these stories will stay with you long after. A heartfelt read that deserves to be savored slowly.
January 28, 2026
Such a brilliant collection of short stories. Jim is a fine storyteller who weaves magic with words with much poise and grace. A glimpse into the ways, life and turmoil of the Naga people. Kind of reminds me of Easterine Kire’s style of writing whose work I greatly admire. ‘The river that bends time’- one of the stories in the book is beautiful and haunting. Thanks to a lovely friend from Delhi who suggested this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews